Chicago

Cubs

Perhaps the most alarming detail from Sharma’s report is that future surgery to address Brown’s lingering neck issue remains a possibility. The 27-year-old was in the midst of a breakthrough campaign before a stress reaction in his neck landed him on the injured list in mid-June. He appeared to be making progress toward a late-season return before a recurrence of symptoms ultimately ended those hopes. The fact that he still hasn’t been cleared to begin an offseason throwing program is another concerning development. Unfortunately, the impending lockout figures leave fantasy managers without any meaningful updates on his prognosis.

Sharma reports that the Cubs have been reluctant to match teams like the Mets and Dodgers when it comes ot free agent spending, especially with pitchers, so Skubal is an unrealistic target, but “they will at least check in on every other free-agent pitcher.” That would certainly be warranted because the Cubs have one healthy pitcher with starting experience on their roster right now, and it’s Javier Assad. Justin Steele will be coming back from injury, and Edward Cabrera could move back into the rotation, but the Cubs need a few more arms. It’s just unlikely that Skubal is one of them.

The Cubs still haven’t announced the decision, even though it was supposed to be made Monday. However, it doesn’t alter their roster at all. Assad made $1.8 million last season in his first year of arbitration, and he should make $2.5 million to $3 million next year after posting a 3.63 ERA in 11 starts and 17 relief appearances in 2026. He can also now say goodbye to Iowa for good, since he’s out of options. The Cubs sent him down four times last season.

Crow-Armstrong took the senior circuit by storm this past season and is the overwhelming favorite to claim MVP honors after authoring a phenomenal 45-homer, 41-steal campaign. The 24-year-old finished as the most impactful hitter in the fantasy landscape while continuing to establish himself as one of the premier defensive center fielders in the game. He’s also just beginning to enter his physical prime, making this season feel more the start of his ascent rather than a metaphorical peak. Ohtani appeared poised to claim MVP honors for the fifth time in his remarkable career, thanks in large part to his extraordinary early-season work on the mound, before knee and biceps issues kept him from pitching in the second half.

Austin lost his spot on Chicago’s 40-man roster heading into the offseason after missing last season while recovering from right knee surgery. The 35-year-old first baseman suffered the injury before making his Cubs debut after spending the previous six years playing overseas in Japan.

Harvey was limited to just four appearances due to triceps issues this past season. The 31-year-old has the raw stuff necessary to pitch in high-leverage spots, but he simply hasn’t been healthy the last couple years.

Kelly heads to free agency after the Cubs decided not to pick up their half of his mutual option. The 32-year-old veteran backstop could wind up returning on a new deal.

Thielbar heads to free agency after posting a respectable 4.86 ERA across 50 innings for Chicago this past season. It might be challenging for the 39-year-old lefty to find a guaranteed deal, but he should be able to compete for a bullpen role somewhere if he wants to keep pitching.

Orze heads to Chicago after losing his spot with Minnesota at the start of the offseason. The 29-year-old middle reliever struggled to an underwhelming 5.66 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 36/21 K/BB ratio across 41 1/3 innings this past season.

The deal is now official. Webb returns to Chicago’s high-leverage mix after recording a career-high nine saves along with a sparkling 3.36 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 73/25 K/BB ratio across 67 innings of work. The 33-year-old former journeyman figures to cede the closer role to hard-throwing Daniel Palencia, but he’s proven to be a capable late-inning option, if needed.